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Library | Call Number | Status |
|---|---|---|
Searching... R.H. Stafford Library (Woodbury) | J 583.47 BAS | Searching... Unknown |
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Summary
Summary
Documents the life cycle and ecosystem of the giant saguaro cactus and the desert animals it helps to support.
Reviews (4)
School Library Journal Review
Gr 1-6 A lap-size book with colorful, detailed illustrations that complement clear text descriptive of the life cycle of a saguaro cactus and its uses by and contributions to southwestern desert dwellersinsect, reptile, animal, and human. Bash is informative without oversimplification or hyperscientificism. For pictorial and topic information, Desert Giant is comparable to Patricia Lauber's Life on a Giant Cactus (Garrard, 1974), and superior to Anita Holmes' The 100-Year-Old Cactus (Four Winds, 1983). It contains a delightful sequence showing how desert Indians harvest and use saguaro fruitnot mentioned in either of the other books. A handsome addition to books on this subject. George Gleason, Department of English, Southwest Missouri State University, Springfield (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Publisher's Weekly Review
These giant denizens of the Sonoran desert--and the multitudinous life forms they sustain or affect--are depicted in vivid text and paintings. Ages 6-10. (Apr.) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved
Kirkus Review
Bash, originally a calligrapher, also studied botanical drawing--which led to her interest in ecosystems. Here, she combines all three areas of expertise to present the life cycle of the beautiful saguaro cactus--an important source of shelter and sustenance to the many animal dwellers in the Southwest and the Sonoran desert in Mexico. Bash's colorful double-spread illustrations--combining large areas of flat, rich color with more detailed passages--capture the majesty of the desert environment and illuminate the ecological importance of this impressive giant that can grow 50 feet tall and live 200 years. The informative text includes fascinating nuggets of information: e.g., as many as three hawks may perch, one on top of another, atop a cactus (""back standing""); ""Saguaro boots"" are dried remnants of hollows made for nests by carpenter birds; after the cactuses die and decompose, Indians use them as food containers. The calligraphic text is distinguished by both elegance and clarity; printed now white, now black, it contributes to the book's handsome design. A useful, attractive presentation that should appeal to a wide audience. Copyright ©Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Booklist Review
Gr. 2-5. Illustrations highlighting the vivid colors of the Southwest desert accompany an account of the life cycle and ecosystem of the saguaro cactus and the many forms of animal life it supports.
